Open letter to the Government and the Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia: concerns on the dismissal of a petition for Cohabitation legislation

In March 2018, the Latvian Parliament dismissed a petition for introduction of partnership legislation which would recognise all unmarried couples, including same-sex couples. This is the second time the Saeima rejected such an initiative.

Members of the LGBTI Intergroup write to the Members of the Government of Latvia, and the Speaker of the Saeima to express their disconcertment, and enquire about what Latvia will do in the future to give the protection and recognition that all families deserve in Latvia, including same-sex couples.

To: Raimonds Vējonis, President of the Republic of Latvia; Māris Kučinskis, Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia; Dzintars Rasnačs, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Latvia; Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia; Jānis Reirs, Minister of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia; Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of The Saeima of the Republic of Latvia

Concerns: dismissal of a petition for Cohabitation legislation

Brussels, 28 March 2018

Honourable Members of the Government of Latvia,

Honourable Speaker of the Saeima of Latvia,

We were disconcerted to learn the dismissal of a petition for Cohabitation legislation by the Saeima of Latvia on 7 March 2018.

Currently in Latvia, thousands of families are not recognised under the law. Unmarried couples are denied the same rights as married couples. They do not have state protection, are excluded from inheritance rights and cannot benefit from tax incentives – unlike their married fellow citizens. Allowing civil partnership or cohabitation is a matter of fundamental rights and equality.

Beyond discrimination, the lack of legal protection for unmarried couples is making their everyday lives extremely difficult. When something happens to their partner, they cannot for example make medical decisions on behalf of their partners or benefit from official visiting rights

To this date, 22 Members States of the European Union have recognised equal rights in the form of civil partnership, cohabitation or marriage. Over 10,000 citizens have signed the petition for Cohabitation Legislation for all families. By dismissing it, Latvia is missing an opportunity to bring its legislation in line with the reality of families in its territory.

In light of the above, we would like to enquire about what Latvia will do in the future to give the protection and recognition that all families deserve in Latvia, including same-sex couples.

The Intergroup on LGBTI Rights is an informal forum for Members of the European Parliament who wish to advance and protect the fundamental rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. Members of the Intergroup would usually take a positive stance on LGBTI issues when they draft reports or amendments, when they vote in the Parliament, or when they deal with constituency affairs.